GableStage’s 2025–26 season reaches a climax with “Prayer for the French Republic” by Joshua Harmon. The sprawling, multi-generational drama is epic storytelling.
Three acts. Three and a half hours. Two intermissions.
The production asks for a serious commitment and it delivers.
Spanning five generations, the play follows the Salomon family in Paris, moving between the aftermath of World War II and the more recent past of 2016 and 2017.
It unfolds as a living, breathing history lesson, highlighting the persistence of anti-semitism across generations. The “why do they hate us?” polylogue in Act III is spellbinding.
This production, similar to GableStage’s “The Lehman Trilogy,” and last season’s “Birthright” by Miami New Drama, is ambitious and feels like a visionary achievement for regional theater. Under the sharp eye of director Bari Newport, the work is grounded, steady, and ultimately triumphant.
GableStage and its team should be proud, especially of the set. As always, the company excels in design. It is remarkable how much they fit into that space, again recalling “The Lehman Trilogy” and even “Appropriate.” The sound and lighting are equally strong.
With all due respect to other theaters in South Florida, GableStage’s production design operates at another level.
Prayer for the French Republic at GableStage
This is a grounded, timely, deeply human work.
Set against the realities of today, the play follows a family that no longer feels safe in its surroundings and begins to consider migration in search of security. That idea lands with particular force right now.
The all-star cast, many of whom are based in New York, handles the 142-page script with precision and depth.
Among many strong performances, Irina Kaplan as Elodie stands out. She delivers a lengthy Act Two monologue that is intelligent, controlled, and ultimately jaw-dropping.
Michael McKenzie, as Patrick, serves as both narrator and participant, bringing a steady, grounded presence to the production.
Casey Sacco shines as the American cousin Molly, a pivotal role that adds dimension and contrast to the family dynamic. Elizabeth Price and Stephen Trovillion, as Marcelle and Charles, add to the ensemble with strong work.
Miami has become, in many ways, both a hub and incubator for Jewish storytelling. This production continues that legacy while pushing beyond it. The play flirts with the boundaries of the genre but ultimately rises above any sense of repetition or familiarity.
“Prayer for the French Republic” is a significant investment of time and attention and may not be for everyone. But its ambition, emotional clarity, and humanity make it an experience that theater lovers should not miss. This is regional storytelling at its best.
For more info and tickets, click here.
View this post on Instagram
